Here are my picks for the BEST and the WORST looks from the 47th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville last night.
- BEST
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift looks enchanting in her RED (go figure) Elie Saab gown. Although the look is a little mature for someone Taylor’s age, she is one of the most poised artists in the world and the dress was a perfect choice for a night that honoured her incredible contribution to country music. Bonus points for the pinned hair, red stained lips and chunky diamond earrings which help pull the classy look together.
Carrie Underwood
Although she walked away empty-handed from the award show (again), it was a huge night for Carrie Underwood. From her comedic timing as as a co-host with Brad Paisley, to a pitch-perfect medley of hits (which in my mind deserved a standing ovation, whats up with that audience/fellow artists?) Carrie looked stunning in her Ralph Russo dress while walking the red carpet and was one of my favourite looks from the night. It’s all very Carrie; shiny, sparkly, showing her legs (something she calls her best asset) to the perfect hair and make-up. She was also wearing 8 million dollars worth of jewels. The dress is the right amount of sexy while still remaining classy.
Kellie Pickler
Kellie Pickler is always someone I look forward to seeing on the red carpet – and as usual, she did not disappoint. Here in her George Chakra Couture gown, Kellie’s look is perfection. Its sparkly, fun, classy and the fit is impeccable. Bonus points for the soft loose hair and nude lip, both help pull the entire look together without making this dress look too vampy or showgirl-like.
Hunter Hayes
The CMA’s are called “country music’s biggest night” for a reason. I have a real problem with some artists (see below) who think it’s acceptable to show up on the red carpet in a pair of ratty jeans and boots. Men, there is no need to be afraid to put on a suit and clean yourself up slightly for the night. Nobody will think you’re less country or less manly. Hunter Hayes is a perfect example of how to walk a red carpet in style. The polka-dot shirt, the bow-tie, the suede shoes, the pocket square – it’s all very fashionable, yet still masculine. He looks like a superstar.
- WORST
Cassadee Pope
Sigh. I’m not sure who helped Cassadee Pope pick this dress, but in my opinion, it is wrong for the event. Everything feels too long, including her hair. The dress for starters needs a proper hem. The fit is great around the bust, but once we get near the waist, it just feels heavy and too old-fashioned for someone as spunky as Cassadee. Had the dress been hemmed to below the knee, I may have liked this better. It looks like the dress is wearing her and that’s never a good thing.
Sheryl Crow
The dress isn’t the real problem with Sheryl Crow, it’s actually the hair. This is so old-fashioned and ‘country’ it feels like she tried too hard to fit into the genre. It looks stiff and unnatural. Sheryl has already been embraced with open arms into the genre. She has an incredible body – and she shows off her toned arms and back here – but again, I feel like the hair really distracted from the dress. Maybe she was just really inspired by Carrie Underwood’s recent hit, “Blown Away”!
Keith Urban
THOSE BOOTS. Keith Urban looked sloppy (and unhappy) on the red carpet last night. Keith is usually one of the most fashionable men in country music, so I was disappointed to see his look on the carpet last night. Maybe he was missing Nicole?
Brantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert, we get it, you’re a bad ass. That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t clean up slightly for an awards show. Throw on a suit, keep the cool boots, an open shirt with your necklaces, your pocket chains – but this is not a red carpet look. A t-shirt on the red carpet in my eyes is showing you don’t care. Maybe you don’t. Here is a good example of how to remain true to your style – but still add a bit of class on the red carpet; Jason Aldean:
- Honourable Mentions
Jana Kramer wore this somewhat goth water-coloured gown and at first glance, I hated it. After starring at this picture for a good five minutes in my office, I think I’ve changed my mind. I think this is great mainly because it’s different. Nobody wore anything like this on the red carpet. The colours are beautiful, Jana’s ombre hair looks amazing and she seems really happy (she’s dating Clint Eastwood’s son, Scott Eastwood.)
Miranda Lambert
The reason why Miranda Lambert isn’t on my BEST dressed is because she has worn this colour before, many, MANY times. Although it looks amazing on her, which is why she probably picks the blue hue – it’s just not exciting to me. Miranda is looking fit, I would have loved to have seen her in something a little shorter, sexier and most importantly, a different colour.
